Alkebu-Lan Images Bookstore

Along this journey, we’ve met so many community leaders, but we’re not done yet! Stay with me for two more important stops that include books, mentors, media stars, and athletes. 

I want to introduce you to Joseph (Yusef) Harris. He founded Alkebu-Lan Images in 1986, which serves to celebrate African culture. Harris, originally from Maryland, attended Morehouse College before coming to Nashville to continue his education. You might ask which school he attended, well the answer is three. First, he studied at Fisk University, then he went to Meharry Medical College, and finally he earned a PhD in psychology at Vanderbilt University. While a graduate student at Vanderbilt, Harris also taught at Tennessee State University, located just across the street from where he would later establish Alkebu-Lan Images.

Alkebu-Lan Images allowed Harris to merge his entrepreneurial vision with his commitment to improving African American lives through education and cultural awareness. He explained in 2015: “I recognized that to help people have more positive self-esteem and self-concept, they need to read more and be conscious of their culture and heritage and history—especially African-Americans.” The store sells a wide range of items, including books, art, jewelry, and apparel, and also hosts community events. A historical highlight includes a book signing by Rosa Parks before her death in 2005.

Harris not only built a successful business but served as a mentor to hundreds of aspiring Black entrepreneurs in Nashville. Additionally, Harris promoted literacy and education by participating in conferences for Black teachers, educators, and journalists, and by organizing Black book festivals in Nashville. He also collaborated with Metro Nashville Public Schools to host book fairs for students.

A world traveler, Harris visited countries such as Ghana, Senegal, Thailand, and Mexico, even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. His trips to Africa, in particular, deeply influenced his work in Nashville, reinforcing his belief in the importance of bringing African culture to Middle Tennessee.

Yusef Harris passed away in 2022, leaving behind an incredible legacy in Nashville’s Black community. His work lives on through his son and business partner, Jordan Harris, who continues to lead Alkebu-Lan Images. Be sure to go inside and support this local Black-owned business.

Directions: Alkebu-Lan is located on the corner of Jefferson Street and 28th Avenue North. As you leave the bookstore, you can either turn LEFT onto Jefferson Street, which becomes John A. Merritt Boulevard, and stay straight. OR you can turn RIGHT onto 28th Avenue and take an immediate LEFT onto John A. Merritt. Either way, once on John A. Merritt Boulevard stay straight until you reach 33rd Avenue North. Turn LEFT onto 33rd Avenue North and visitor parking will be on your left. You may not enter campus without checking in at the security station, but you can also listen to this stop while looking at the fighter jet and Hale Stadium, both on the edge of campus.